fiat
[ fee-aht, -at; fahy-uht, -at ]
/ ˈfi ɑt, -æt; ˈfaɪ ət, -æt /
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noun
an authoritative decree, sanction, or order: a royal fiat.
a fixed form of words containing the word fiat, by which a person in authority gives sanction, or authorization.
an arbitrary decree or pronouncement, especially by a person or group of persons having absolute authority to enforce it: The king ruled by fiat.
SYNONYMS FOR fiat
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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
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Origin of fiat
First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin: “let it be done,” 3rd singular present subjunctive of fierī “to become”
Words nearby fiat
fiancée, fianchetto, Fianna, Fianna Fáil, fiasco, fiat, fiat justitia, ruat caelum, fiat lux, fiat money, fib, fiber
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for fiat
British Dictionary definitions for fiat
fiat
/ (ˈfaɪət, -æt) /
noun
official sanction; authoritative permission
an arbitrary order or decree
mainly literary any command, decision, or act of will that brings something about
Word Origin for fiat
C17: from Latin, literally: let it be done, from fierī to become
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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